2 Kings 2 13

2 Kings 2:13 kjv

He took up also the mantle of Elijah that fell from him, and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan;

2 Kings 2:13 nkjv

He also took up the mantle of Elijah that had fallen from him, and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:13 niv

Elisha then picked up Elijah's cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:13 esv

And he took up the cloak of Elijah that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.

2 Kings 2:13 nlt

Elisha picked up Elijah's cloak, which had fallen when he was taken up. Then Elisha returned to the bank of the Jordan River.

2 Kings 2 verses

2 Kings 2 13 Meaning

This verse details Elisha's immediate action following Elijah's ascension: he picked up Elijah's prophetic mantle. This act was not merely practical but profoundly symbolic, representing the transfer of prophetic authority and the bestowal of a "double portion" of Elijah's spirit upon Elisha. His subsequent return to the bank of the Jordan set the stage for him to demonstrate this newly received power and divine endorsement, validating his succession as the lead prophet in Israel.

2 Kings 2 13 Context

This verse occurs immediately after the climactic ascension of Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11-12). Elisha has just witnessed this miraculous event and rent his own garments in sorrow. The "mantle of Elijah" falling to the ground confirms to Elisha that his requested "double portion" of Elijah's spirit has been granted, as witnessing Elijah's departure was the stated condition for this inheritance (2 Kings 2:10). The immediate historical context is the transfer of the prophetic office from one of Israel's greatest prophets, Elijah, to his successor, Elisha. The Jordan River, which Elijah had just supernaturally parted, serves as a significant geographical and symbolic marker for this transition, setting the stage for Elisha to replicate the miracle and prove his divine anointing to the surrounding prophetic community.

2 Kings 2 13 Word analysis

• He took up (וַיָּרֶם, vayyarem): From the root רום (rum), meaning "to be high, to raise, to lift up." Elisha's active choice to retrieve the mantle is a decisive act of embracing his calling and authority. It is not something he waited to be given, but something he claimed that was left for him. This shows his readiness to assume the prophetic role.
• also (gam): This conjunction indicates that this action followed and was connected to witnessing Elijah's departure. It implies a sense of completion or fulfillment regarding the transfer. It suggests this act was essential to confirm the spiritual reality.
• the mantle (אֶדֶרֶת, ’ederet): This refers to a large, often heavy, outer cloak made of hair (possibly animal skin or rough fabric like goat hair), distinct to prophets, notably Elijah. It was not just clothing but a visible emblem of their office, authority, and prophetic power (1 Kings 19:19; Zech 13:4). It signified their consecration and the divine power that clothed them.
• of Elijah (אֵלִיָּהוּ, ’eliyyahu): Connects the specific garment, and thus the authority, directly to the esteemed prophet Elijah, whose power had been demonstrated through many miracles. This linkage establishes legitimacy for Elisha.
• that fell from him (מֵעָלָיו, me‘alav): Emphasizes that the mantle was divinely shed, not physically discarded or thrown. Its descent implied a spiritual bequest, a sacred trust from God. The mantle literally fell as Elijah ascended, making it a clear sign and not merely an item dropped by accident. It marked the transfer by God's own will.
• and went back (וַיָּשׇׁב, vayyashav): From the root שׁוּב (shuv), meaning "to return, to turn back." Elisha's return to the specific spot at the Jordan where the parting occurred underscores the immediate and public validation of his new anointing. It shows he intended to demonstrate his newly received power at the very place where Elijah had last performed a miracle.
• and stood (וַיַּעֲמֹד, vayya‘amod): From the root עָמַד (amad), meaning "to stand, to remain, to endure." This denotes a resolute posture, readiness, and expectation. Elisha stood confidently, prepared for his first prophetic act, asserting his new role.
• by the bank of Jordan (עַל־שְׂפַת הַיַּרְדֵּן, ‘al-sefat hayarden): The Jordan River here is more than a geographical location; it is a significant site for divine intervention, covenant transitions (Joshua 3), and miraculous events. Returning to its bank signifies that the stage is set for a public demonstration of God's continued presence and power through Elijah's successor. The continuity of God's work in that very place would be seen.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• He took up also the mantle of Elijah: This phrase immediately links Elisha's physical action to the spiritual inheritance. "Took up" signifies ownership and acceptance, while "also" reinforces that this was a complementary act to his witnessing the ascension, completing the symbolic transfer of power and authority. The mantle of Elijah grounds the newly transferred authority in the well-known prophetic line and power of his predecessor.
• that fell from him: This is crucial. It wasn't passed down deliberately by hand in the traditional sense, but divinely released as Elijah departed. This 'falling' validates that Elisha was the intended recipient, marked by providence. It indicates a clear act of divine will, not a human conferral.
• and went back, and stood by the bank of Jordan: Elisha's deliberate return to the very location of Elijah's final miracle and his chosen stance ("stood") signify immediate readiness to assume his prophetic duties and to validate his call. It's a strategic move to the site of previous divine action, indicating his intention to act as God's instrument in the same manner. This return emphasizes continuity and direct succession in the lineage of miracles.

2 Kings 2 13 Bonus section

The term "double portion" (Hebrew: פִּי שְׁנַיִם, pi shnayim) requested by Elisha in 2 Kings 2:9 is commonly misunderstood as twice the power of Elijah. However, in ancient Israelite inheritance law (Deut 21:17), the firstborn son received a "double portion" of the father's inheritance, signifying his leadership among his siblings and his responsibility for the family legacy. Thus, Elisha's request was not for superior power but for recognition as Elijah's primary spiritual heir, the one who would carry on the prophetic ministry. The falling of the mantle and Elisha's subsequent picking it up, as described in this verse, were the visible signs validating that God had indeed designated Elisha as Elijah's successor, taking up the mantle of responsibility for leading the "sons of the prophets" and continuing the prophetic ministry to Israel. This verse, therefore, represents the moment Elisha formally inherits that spiritual "firstborn" status and calling.

2 Kings 2 13 Commentary

2 Kings 2:13 is a pivotal moment establishing Elisha's prophetic legitimacy. The act of picking up Elijah's fallen mantle is not a mere retrieval but a symbolic appropriation of Elijah's authority and spiritual inheritance. This outer garment, identified with Elijah's distinct prophetic office and powerful ministry (demonstrated in 2 Kings 2:8), now becomes the emblem of Elisha's own divine empowerment. Its falling from the ascending Elijah indicates a divinely orchestrated transfer, signifying that Elisha's requested "double portion" (2 Kings 2:9) has indeed been granted. Elisha's immediate return and stance at the Jordan's bank signal his readiness to assume his prophetic role publicly. This sets the stage for the next verse (2 Kings 2:14), where Elisha will use the mantle to part the Jordan himself, providing the definitive public demonstration that the "spirit of Elijah" now rested upon him, confirming his succession to the sons of the prophets and all of Israel. This narrative assures that God's work of revelation and miraculous intervention continues unbroken through His chosen instruments.